TO DO
Inspiration for days out
Blairdrummond Safari Park FK9 4UR
A wild day out with lions, an ellie, giraffe and tigers. The dino attraction is a hit with younger kids. There are plenty of outdoor eating areas and an indoor café. If you want to make a full day of it you can take along barbeque meats and make use of their facilities (they’ll supply the charcoal). Having visited a lot, we suggest you go first thing to miss the crowds, starting with the drive through, followed by chimp island and then take the rest of the day in your stride. The monkey drive-through may not be worth the mischief they may cause on your vehicle. More info.
Briarlands Farm FK9 4UP.
For toddlers up to early teens this is another super family day out. There is plenty of outdoor, fresh air fun, a petting area, tractor tour, maze maze and more. The golf football will keep older kids and dads happy. Do take a ball, a kite and a picnic lunch as you will want to while away hours here. There is also a open plan restaurant with arts and crafts on offer. If they are doing their Coke and Chocolate cake it’s worth popping in just for that. Fan of strawberries? You can pick your own. May we suggest you aren’t tempted to do the safari park and farm on the same day, as you can spend a full day at either. More info.
Doune Castle FK16 6EA.
A medieval castle with circular riverside walk. It’s well-known to Monty Python, Outlander and Game of Thrones fans. Take a picnic and a swimsuit to make the most of your time there. More info.
Japanese Gardens, Dollar
Deanston Malt Whisky Distillery FK16 6AG.
If whisky is more your thing, we can recommend Deanston Distillery. After your rather enjoyable tour, essential to pair with a tasting, you can have a meal or snack in the café next door. The small menu is inventive and always has an interesting veggie option. More info.
Scottish Antique and Arts Centre FK16 6HG.
A surprisingly sprawling space, it’s a good place to browse oldie-worldly treasures. Being all under cover you can make the most of a rainy or cold day, finishing up in their restaurant. It has plenty of parking and is worth a visit having won best antique centre in the UK (not just Scotland) twice. More info.
Argaty Red Kite Feeding Centre FK16 6EJ.
Kites were hunted to near extinction and have been reintroduced with great success. You can book to see the feeding, which is pretty dramatic, and has a guide give you a talk about the birds. More info.